many factors
'Too early to tell:' health officials encourage vaccinations amid uncertain flu season
VICTORIA - Provincial health officials are encouraging those at risk of severe respiratory illness to protect themselves ahead of the fall and winter flu season. Medical health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry outlined what they're expecting this season during a media availability on Wednesday, Oct. 7, saying influenza test ra...
3h ago
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vote early
Advance voting opens in 2026 Municipal Elections
NANAIMO - The first votes in this year's municipal elections are being cast this week. Advance voting opens Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with polling locations dependent on which municipality's votes are being cast. For voters in the City of Nanaimo, ballots can be dropped off at the Beban Park Social Cent...
8h ago
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local vote
Second Parksville all-candidates forum focusing on local economic development
PARKSVILLE - A focus on business and non-profit growth, as well as overall economic development is expected in an all-candidates forum this week.After water supply concerns and taxes accounted for a vast majority of discussion during a Sept. 26 forum, the Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce will host its second...
22h ago
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What's Trending
investigation continues
Tumbler Ridge conspiracy complaint puts focus on messaging and social media firms
29m ago
Program helping homeowners cut costs
Nanaimo Homeowners: Centra's $1M Window Efficiency Plan is now over 75% claimed
many factors
'Too early to tell:' health officials encourage vaccinations amid uncertain flu season
3h ago
vote early
Advance voting opens in 2026 Municipal Elections
8h ago
Nanaimo, Parksville and Area
discrimination
Rural Nanaimo firefighter wins wrongful dismissal case
NANAIMO - A longtime paid-on-call North Cedar Fire Department member's dismissal was discrimination due to his mental disability, ruled the BC Human Rights Tribunal.The recently published ruling outlined the case between Joseph Widdifield and North Cedar Improvement District (NCID), following the complainant's July 2, ...
23h ago
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mass shooting
U.S. suspect conspired with Tumbler Ridge killer before and during attack: FBI
SEATTLE - A Washington state suspect gave advice, money and encouragement to the Tumbler Ridge mass killer and tried to livestream the attack on social media to "amplify" the impact of the murders, the FBI said on Tuesday. Mike Harrington, special age...
Oct 6, 2026
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ongoing developments
Long-discussed downtown Parksville project advancing, for now
PARKSVILLE - A three-storey building combining residential living with a ground-floor commercial space is once again back on track, while several other, higher-density builds have stalled. Council approved reissuing a development permit for 155 Hirst Ave. E., with plans for a three-storey building with 10 multi-family ...
Oct 6, 2026
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2026 municipal election
Know Your Vote: Nanaimo's downtown challenges and future revitalization
This article is part of a multi-story series looking further into the responses to NanaimoNewsNOW's Know Your Vote survey, our interactive voter information tool for the 2026 Municipal Election in the City of Nanaimo. NANAIMO - Almost unanimously, candidates running for Mayor and Council in this month's municipal elect...
Oct 6, 2026
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jail
Nanaimo drug trafficker handed lengthy sentence
NANAIMO - A prolific offender arrested multiple times by Nanaimo RCMP in 2024 has been handed a nine-year prison sentence. Ian Roger Der, 46, was sentenced on Monday, Oct. 5, at Nanaimo Law Courts after previously pleading guilty to nine offences involving drug trafficking, breaching release conditions and possessing a...
Oct 6, 2026
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lizard explosion
Invasive lizard widens reach, especially on Vancouver Island
VICTORIA - Tracy Menzies had been at war with slugs in her backyard garden as they've always managed to beat her to the harvest, but not this year.The strawberries in her garden this season turned out to be "absolutely beautiful."It turns out the slugs are facing a formidable foe - the invasive European wall ...
Oct 5, 2026
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British Columbia
investigation continues
Tumbler Ridge conspiracy complaint puts focus on messaging and social media firms
NDP Leader David Eby says social media and other companies must be held accountable to report conversations about causing harm after an FBI complaint detailed extensive online conversations involving the Tumbler Ridge shooter as she planned her deadly attack.The complaint against James Bryant, who is charged in the U.S...
30m ago
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Tumbler Ridge conspiracy complaint puts focus on messaging and social media firms
NDP Leader David Eby says social media and other companies must be held accountable to report conversations about causing harm after an FBI complaint detailed extensive online conversations involving the Tumbler Ridge shooter as she planned her deadly ...
45m ago
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B.C. respiratory illness season starts as province secures millions of vaccine doses
VICTORIA - British Columbia's respiratory illness season has started, with the province preparing to distribute millions of vaccine doses to combat the rise of both influenza and COVID-19. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says the province ha...
2h ago
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Vancouver man sentenced for dragging officer during traffic stop in 2024
DELTA - A Vancouver man who drove away from a traffic stop, seriously injuring an officer by dragging him along has been sentenced to more than a year in jail. The BC Highway Patrol says 57-year-old Tobin Haas was sentenced last month to a 12 1/2 month...
4h ago
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Southern Resident killer whale seen with another dead calf off Vancouver Island
FRIDAY HARBOR, WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES - Researchers in Washington state say a Southern Resident killer whale that suffered multiple reproductive losses in the past has been seen again with a dead calf off British Columbia. The Center for Whale Resea...
5h ago
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Key dates in the evolution of Canada's medically assisted dying laws
OTTAWA - Canadian Justice Minister Sean Fraser and Health Minister Marjorie Michel announced two major decisions for the "path forward" in medically assisted dying on Wednesday. Fraser said the government has decided not to proceed with expanding MAID ...
6h ago
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Local Sports
Leveling Up
Three Nanaimo Timbermen standouts chosen in NLL entry draft
NANAIMO - Draft day in the National Lacrosse League was special for the Senior A Nanaimo Timbermen. Three players who just finished their first seasons in the WLA were drafted in the top 33 selections. Right-hander Jeremy Wudrick went 27th overall to the Vancouver Warriors, while defender Joel Mullen was also picked by...
Oct 3, 2026
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Championship Mentality
John Barsby's varsity football team brings a winning attitude to a new season
NANAIMO - The high school varsity football season has begun in the mid island with the John Barsby Bulldogs winning their season opener 55-34 against Abbotford. Barsby is in a AA/AAA hybrid division with Ballenas out of Parksville and Mt. Douglas and Spectrum schools from Victoria. Initially Nanaimo District Secondary ...
Sep 26, 2026
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Kicking It
VIU soccer teams hit the pitch for 2026 PACWEST season
NANAIMO - The VIU Mariners are beginning a new PACWEST soccer season with differing expectations.The women will attempt to win the provincial championship for a third straight time, while the men are hoping to rise up the table after finishing 2-7-3 in 2025.Women's coach Bobbie Taylor said her group will have a strong ...
Sep 12, 2026
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ClippersNOW
Close Loss
Late goal against sees Clippers fall in Chilliwack
CHILLIWACK - The Clippers have lost back to back games for the first time this season.After a 3-2 loss in Coquitlam on Saturday, Oct. 3 Nanaimo suffered a narrow 2-1 road defeat against the Chilliwack Chiefs on Oct. 4.Jack Clark scored the Clippers only goal on a rebound in the closing moments of a first period power p...
Oct 4, 2026
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Last Minute Letdown
Clippers come up short in Coquitlam
NANAIMO - Charles Beland continued his hot play but it wasn't enough for the Clippers to beat the Coquitlam Express.After the Express built up a 2-0 lead by the two minute mark of the second period Beland set up Miller Kay mid way through the middle frame and then scored on a net drive early in the third.Despite both t...
Oct 3, 2026
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Four Straight
Clippers edge Rivermen to begin road swing
NANAIMO - The Clippers stretched their win streak to four games with a 4-3 victory over the Langley Rivermen.An early goal by Roghan Walker staked Langley to a 1-0 lead in a first period where the Clippers were outshot 12-5.Charles Beland tied the game early in the middle frame by scoring in his fifth consecutive game ...
Oct 3, 2026
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Canada
Tumbler Ridge conspiracy complaint puts focus on messaging and social media firms
NDP Leader David Eby says social media and other companies must be held accountable to report conversations about causing harm after an FBI complaint detailed extensive online conversations involving the Tumbler Ridge shooter as she planned her deadly ...
45m ago
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Conservative motion seeking more diesel relief defeated in House of Commons
OTTAWA - The Conservative party's proposal to extend federal relief on diesel fuel was voted down in the House of Commons today. Global prices for diesel and gasoline have spiked since the spring as the war in Iran has disrupted fuel shipments from the...
1h ago
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Fact File: Headlines falsely claim woman approved for MAID because she couldn't cook
This week, media headlines and social media posts claimed a Canadian woman was approved for medical assistance in dying because she lost her ability to cook. The claim stems from an opinion article written by two Canadian psychiatrists who recount the ...
1h ago
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Canadian corporations encouraged to sign pledge for Indigenous reconciliation
OTTAWA - Private businesses in Canada are being encouraged to sign a declaration committing to strengthening their relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities. The Corporate Declaration was developed by multiple companies and private entities...
1h ago
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Author Galloway 'floored' by accuser's emails disclosed in his defamation lawsuit
VANCOUVER - Former University of B.C. professor and author Steven Galloway says he was shocked and "floored" by the contents of emails disclosed in his defamation lawsuit over unproven sexual assault allegations that ended his career. Galloway's testi...
1h ago
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McGuinty delivers pro-Canada message in Alberta, highlights $8B in funding
EDMONTON - Federal Defence Minister David McGuinty is reminding Albertans of billions of dollars in military spending and that a strong Canada includes a strong Alberta. His comments come as Albertans prepare to vote on Confederation in the Oct. 19 ref...
1h ago
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World
Tropical Storm Simon forms in the Pacific Ocean off the southwestern coast of Mexico
MIAMI (AP) - Tropical Storm Simon formed Wednesday in the Pacific Ocean off the southwestern coast of Mexico, the National Hurricane Center said. The center of the cyclone was located about 175 miles (285 kilometers) south-southeast of La...
27m ago
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DNC sues Trump administration, alleging taxpayer-funded ads violate propaganda law
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Democratic National Committee on Wednesday sued President Donald Trump's administration for recent television advertisements that promoted his political message while costing taxpayers millions of dollars. The compla...
1h ago
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Maricarmen, the 87-year-old woman whose eviction shook Spain, has died in hospital
MADRID (AP) - María del Carmen Abascal, the 87-year-old woman whose eviction from her longtime Madrid home sparked nationwide protests across Spain and unleashed a political crisis, died on Wednesday while hospitalized. Spanish Prime Mini...
2h ago
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Sponsored Content
Program helping homeowners cut costs
Nanaimo Homeowners: Centra's $1M Window Efficiency Plan is now over 75% claimed
The Centra Install Pros Window Efficiency Plan - a program helping Nanaimo homeowners cut the cost of new windows and doors - is running out of runway fast. The plan puts up to $650 toward each window or door replaced, drawn from a dedicated $1 million fund set aside for local homeowners. There is no income testing and...
Sep 18, 2026
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sponsored content
Resort-Style Retirement Living in Nanaimo's Old City Quarter
For many retirees, and those nearing retirement, staying in their home can be difficult. The time spent on day-to-day maintenance, plus dealing with bigger repairs usually required on an older home, can cut into time they'd rather spend enjoying their retirement. And if they're traveling, they don't want to worry about...
Jul 28, 2026
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sponsored content
Customizable Management for Smaller Strata Communities
Most people who volunteer for their strata council don't sign up to be an accountant. But for many in smaller strata communities, with less than 50 units, that's exactly what they end up doing. They spend time researching bylaws, getting quotes for maintenance, and worrying that something important has been missed. The...
Jun 9, 2026
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